Solar power generation module

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy generating panel, the panel comprising at least two energy generating modules, each energy generating module comprising a first surface provided with energy harvesting means, a second surface, a reflective surface, and a retaining structure connecting the first and second surfaces together so as to provide a space therebetween, the reflective surface is configured to filter incident sunlight so that a first portion of the sunlight passes through and reflect a second portion of the sunlight, and the reflective surface is provided with a plurality of reflective areas with different orientations relative to each other. And each reflective region is configured to uniformly reflect the second portion of the incident light onto a collection surface of the energy collection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of solar-powered electricity generation, and more specifically to solar-powered electricity generation in agriculture. The invention also aims to provide a method for increasing electricity generation without impacting agricultural growth.

[0002] Preferably, the present invention relates to the field of photovoltaic power generation and to a spectral filtering solar energy collection module for agriculture. Background Technology

[0003] Today, photovoltaic (PV) power generation is considered a global green, low-cost energy source and a key element paving the way to a fossil-free future. However, finding space for large-scale PV projects remains challenging, as creating a PV field either wastes arable land or harms biodiversity by increasing the human footprint. Therefore, modern projects, often called "agricultural PV," have been created to promote the dual use of available land, where arable land can be used for both power generation and agricultural production.

[0004] Studies have shown that agricultural photovoltaic solutions are particularly useful when the spectrum is filtered to optimize the wavelengths reaching crops. Therefore, spectrally filtered agricultural photovoltaic solutions are a promising way to generate electricity on arable land without compromising agricultural yields. The key lies in spectrally filtering sunlight, ensuring that the light components needed by plants are delivered to the crops, while all the remaining sunlight is used to generate electricity.

[0005] Most existing solar modules based on this technology are made from two distinct elements: (1) a large spectral filter reflector designed to face the light source and concentrate light that the plants do not need onto a single (2) photovoltaic cell. These solar modules are typically mounted on biaxial solar tracking mounts, thus requiring them to be spatially spaced to allow rotation without obstruction from adjacent modules. While these designs may be advantageous for indoor applications (e.g., inside greenhouses), they present several disadvantages for outdoor use.

[0006] In fact, maximizing ground cover is beneficial for outdoor crop cultivation, providing protection against weather conditions such as wind, hail, and frost. Furthermore, research indicates that filtering sunlight is beneficial for crops, for example, in terms of water consumption and pest and disease control. However, mechanical systems with dual-axis solar tracking typically only provide about 35-40% ground cover. To fully realize these agricultural benefits, a solution capable of covering 50% or more of the ground area is needed.

[0007] The existing ones are based on about 1m 2The design of the large-sized solar reflectors, when used outdoors and exposed to wind, results in a large cross-section. This leads to expensive solar tracking systems and heavy-duty structures for the supporting modules, ultimately resulting in reduced light transmission to the crops.

[0008] Therefore, a system that can solve the above problems is needed.

[0009] In this regard, a primary objective of the present invention is to address the aforementioned problems, and more specifically, to provide a solar-based power generation device that provides maximum land coverage while remaining unaffected by wind and external forces.

[0010] More specifically, a primary objective of this invention is to provide a solar-based power generation device for agriculture that provides maximum protection for crops against external damage such as wind, hail, and frost, while offering optimized light transmission and a simple support structure.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows for optimization of energy or electricity generation at any time of day and in any season, and to provide a method for controlling the quality of light reaching crops with the aim of increasing agricultural yields. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems by proposing a spectral filtering-based solar module integrated into a single plane. This planar integration is achieved by periodically repeating small reflectors along an axis onto a material plate. These disclosed planar solar modules solve the problems of the prior art: through planar design, the system can be mounted on a single-axis or axisless solar tracking system, thereby achieving a higher ground fill factor, which is necessary to fully utilize the advantages of spectral filtering, and adding crop protection functionality to spectral filtering APV systems.

[0013] This invention relates to the field of solar-based power generation, and more specifically to solar-based power generation in agriculture. The invention aims to provide a method that can both generate electricity and optimize agricultural growth.

[0014] A first aspect of the invention is an energy-generating panel comprising at least two energy-generating modules, each energy-generating module comprising a first surface having an energy-harvesting device, a second surface, a reflective surface, and a retaining structure connecting the first and second surfaces together to provide a space therebetween, wherein the reflective surface is configured to filter incident sunlight, thereby allowing a first portion of the sunlight to pass through and reflecting a second portion of the sunlight, characterized in that the reflective surface has a plurality of reflective regions oriented differently relative to each other, and each reflective region is configured to uniformly reflect the second portion of the incident light onto the collecting surface of the energy-harvesting device.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second surface is contained on the back side of the module, and a retaining structure connects the first and second surfaces together to provide an inner cavity defined by the wall and the first and second surfaces.

[0016] Preferably, the reflective surface is a floating filter located inside the module cavity.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the reflective surface is a filter that is stacked / deposited on the second surface.

[0018] Alternatively, the reflective surface is a second surface provided with the filter composition.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each module has a longitudinal shape and is arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction.

[0020] Preferably, the modules are detachable from each other by a reversible connection means selected from the group consisting of magnetic regions, adhesives, outer frames and mechanical locking means.

[0021] Preferably, the cavity is completely surrounded by the first and second surfaces and the walls.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission / reflection / refraction of the reflective surface is adjusted by specific materials and / or specific thickness ranges and / or specific surface treatments and / or specific additives to allow light with a specific wavelength range to pass through.

[0023] Preferably, the energy-generating panel also includes an orientation system suitable for changing the orientation of the reflective panel.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of reflective regions are flat and / or adjacent surfaces.

[0025] Preferably, the energy harvesting module is selected from the group consisting of a power generation module using photovoltaic cells, a heat generation module, and a hydrogen production module.

[0026] Preferably, the back of the energy harvesting device is provided with a reflective surface, a light scatterer comprising fluorescent material, and / or an energy generating surface.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention is a directional optimization system for correspondingly orienting an energy-generating panel according to a first aspect of the invention, the system comprising a panel driving system and a panel driving system control module adapted to control the panel driving system to orient the energy-generating panel in order to optimize electricity or agricultural yield, i.e., to optimize the quality of light reaching crops, for example, by orienting the panel to maximize light transmission in low sunlight conditions and to protect crops from heavy rain or strong winds when necessary.

[0028] A third aspect of the invention is a light source tracking system for tracking a light source and accordingly orienting an energy generating panel according to the first aspect of the invention. The system includes an energy generating panel, a light source positioning module, and a drive system control module adapted to control a control system to orient the energy generating panel according to the detected light source position. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Further specific advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one embodiment of the invention, which will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein...

[0030] Figure 1 This represents the overall concept of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view showing the panel of the present invention positioned above the crop.

[0032] Figure 3 A perspective view of a panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 a to 5d represent cross-sectional views of four different embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 Three cross-sectional views illustrating embodiments of the present invention with different reflection types are shown.

[0036] Figure 7 An exemplary cross-sectional view showing dimensions of one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This detailed description is intended to illustrate the invention in a non-limiting manner, as any feature of one embodiment can be combined advantageously with any other feature of another different embodiment.

[0038] Figure 1 The general principle of the invention is described, which includes a solar module 10 adapted to filter sunlight so that the light component required by the plant, i.e., the spectrum, is transmitted to the crop below the panel, while the remaining light is reflected and redirected to a solar cell adapted to collect the light to generate energy, such as electricity or heat, or even materials such as hydrogen. Figure 1As shown. In this regard, it is important to note that blue and red light are particularly useful for photosynthesis, which means that the spectra corresponding to these colors, namely blue light (approximately 450-495 nm) and red light (approximately 620-750 nm), should not be reflected by the reflective surface 3, while other wavelengths can be reflected.

[0039] More specifically, light with wavelengths from 800nm ​​to 1250nm can be reflected onto the energy harvesting device 5 for power generation. Near-infrared light above 1250nm can also be reflected onto the energy harvesting device 5, which is particularly useful for protecting crops in hot climates. This may cause the solar cells to overheat and should be prioritized for heat generation / hydrogen production. In addition, the wavelength band between 700nm and 800nm ​​(far-red light) can be reflected for certain crops because it can affect the flowering cycle, while green light (500nm-600nm) can also be reflected because it has a relatively small impact on the growth of some crops.

[0040] More specifically, Figure 1 The image shows sunlight directed toward the crop, and an energy-generating device according to the invention is positioned above the land. The term "above" can have its natural meaning, but in the context of vertical agriculture, the same term should be understood as "in front," and in general, the meaning should be understood as "between the plant and the light source," such as the sun. The energy-generating device is configured to at least partially block sunlight, featuring a reflector adapted to allow some light to pass through to reach the plant and to block the remaining light (unwanted light, black arrows) by reflecting, redirecting, and uniformly concentrating the light onto an energy-generating module 10 (shown later), which is adapted to generate energy using the reflected light. According to a preferred embodiment, the generated energy is electrical energy produced by photovoltaic cells, but it can also be replaced by thermal energy or hydrogen production.

[0041] More specifically, the energy generating device is configured to allow almost complete transmission of the light required for plant growth onto the plant, so that the plant is positioned behind (or below) the energy generating device. The wavelength of the light is preferred by standard.

[0042] Figure 2 This shows a large view of the modules 10 mounted above the crop. We can see that the panels are tilted. According to a preferred embodiment, the tilt angle can be adjusted to maximize light harvesting yield or crop growth, or both. In practice, to maximize energy, reflections from the panels need to be directed to the energy generating device. This can be achieved using a 1D or 2D solar tracking system, on which the modules 10 are placed. Figure 2 This demonstrates one possible implementation of 1D tracking (elevation tracking) on ​​crops.

[0043] When multiple panels are mounted on a structure, with each structure supporting at least one solar module 10, several possibilities may be observed. One option is to equip each structure with a dedicated actuator and drive module. Alternatively, a single actuator can be provided, and its motion can be transmitted to other structures to replicate linear and / or rotational motion on the line containing the actuator.

[0044] In conjunction with this invention, a light source tracking system can be used to track a light source, preferably the sun, and orient one or more energy panels according to the position of the light source to optimize and / or maximize sunlight reception on the panels. This light source tracking system preferably includes the aforementioned panel driving system, a light source positioning module (which can be of any suitable type, such as a camera or light sensor), and a driving system control module adapted to control the panel driving system to orient the light source according to its detected position.

[0045] The control module may also include a processing unit that calculates the optimal orientation of the panel based on multiple parameters such as season, weather, and environment.

[0046] Figure 3 A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, which is an energy-generating panel 100 composed of a plurality of adjacent modules 10. Figure 3 Eight modules 10 are shown. However, the invention is not limited to any number of modules 10, as it can be adapted to any number depending on the field of interest.

[0047] Figure 3 The panel shown illustrates that modules 10 are arranged adjacent to each other to present a single, flat upper surface; however, modules 10 may be provided to present a curved shape, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, while module 10 can be a single, non-removable unit, it can be provided as a unit that is detachable from each other to enhance modularity. In this latter case, a connection / removal system such as a locking mechanism can be provided. The locking mechanism may include magnetic sidewalls, adhesive, clips, an outer frame, etc.

[0049] Each module 10 has a longitudinal shape consisting of a first surface 1, a second surface 2, and a reflective surface 3, wherein the second surface 2 and the reflective surface 3 are located below the first surface 1, and wherein the second surface 2 and the reflective surface 3 may be identical. These surfaces are connected by a retaining structure 4 in the form of a wall, preferably a vertical wall. As can be seen, the first surface 1 includes a longitudinal energy harvesting device 5 that extends along the entire length of the module 10.

[0050] Figure 4 The panel and module 10 will now be described in detail.

[0051] Each module 10 preferably includes a first surface 1 suitable for allowing the entire spectrum to pass through, a second surface 2, and a reflective surface 3 suitable for reflecting a portion of the light, as well as a wall 4 made of glass or a transparent polymer, which connects the first, second, and reflective surfaces 1, 2, and 3. We can see that in a panel, two adjacent modules 10 share a wall. Therefore, each module 10 has a longitudinal shape, having a cavity 6 defined by the wall 4 and the first and second surfaces 1 and 2, or a filled space 6, for example, filled with water or glass.

[0052] The first surface 1 is preferably planar and is preferably made of a material comprising the group consisting of glass and a transparent polymer, such as ETFE, which is a material suitable for transmitting the entire spectrum, and is preferably UV resistant or contains an additional coating to ensure long lifespan.

[0053] The figure shows the surface as a continuous, flat surface that, together with the lower surface and wall 4, defines a closed cavity 6 within module 10. It is important to note that this allows the outer surface of module 10 to also be treated with a stain-resistant surface treatment to ensure that module 10 remains clean at all times. Alternatively, the first surface 1 can be contained within a discontinuous surface, such as a single strip having the width of the energy harvesting device 5, thus leaving the cavity 6 open on the upper side.

[0054] This first surface 1 can be referred to as the upper surface because it always faces the light source relative to the second surface 2. The first surface 1 is adapted to house an energy harvesting device 5, which includes at least one photovoltaic cell, a heat pipe, and a solar-activated hydrogen-producing medium. Preferably, the shape of the energy harvesting device 5 is uniform along the length of the module 10, for example, as shown below. Figure 3 The strip shown.

[0055] Energy harvesting device 5 can, of course, collect light reflected from the second surface 2, i.e., on its underside (see reference). Figure 4 However, it can also move on its upper side to collect light that is directly incident on it.

[0056] The second surface 2, also known as the lower surface, is disposed below the first surface 1 to "close" the lower part of the module 10. "Below" means that the second surface is disposed behind the first surface 1 relative to the light source.

[0057] The reflective surface 3 is also disposed below the first surface 1 and is adapted to filter the spectrum, thereby allowing light of a desired wavelength range to pass through, and preferably reflecting light of another desired wavelength range onto the energy harvesting device 5, as described above. Figure 3 and Figure 4As can be seen, the shape of the reflective surface 3, when viewed in the cross-sectional direction, is one of a curved and smooth surface or a segmented flat surface. The key point here is that the reflective surface 3 has multiple reflective regions with different orientations relative to each other, and each reflective region is configured to uniformly reflect the incident light of a selected portion onto the collecting surface of the energy harvesting device 5.

[0058] Although Figure 6 Three examples are shown, but no particularly preferred shape is specified. The first has a reflective surface 3 with a segmented parabolic mirror consisting of several flat sections in different directions to reflect light onto the lower surface of the energy harvesting device 5. The second example shows a surface with a defocused parabolic shape consisting of two parabolic surfaces. The third is a free-form shape, which reminds us that regardless of the shape chosen, the key feature is optimizing reflection toward the lower surface of the energy harvesting device 5.

[0059] To filter the spectrum, the reflective surface 3 must have a filtering function. For example... Figure 5 As shown in A to 5D, this can be achieved by providing a specific composition for filtering a portion of the spectrum to the second surface 2, or by depositing a filter with this function on one side of the second surface 2 or inside the cavity 6 of the module 10.

[0060] The filter or filtering composition should be adapted to allow blue and red light, which are particularly useful for photosynthesis, to pass through. This means that the spectra corresponding to these colors, i.e., blue light approximately 450-495 nm and red light approximately 620-750 nm, should not be reflected by the reflective surface 3, while other wavelengths can be reflected. Furthermore, the filter can be adapted to reflect light with wavelengths from 800 nm to 1250 nm onto the energy harvesting device 5 to generate electricity. The filter should also be adapted to reflect near-infrared light above 1250 nm onto the energy harvesting device 5, as this is particularly useful for protecting crops in hot climates. Additionally, for certain crops, wavelengths between 700 nm and 800 nm (far-red light) should be reflected, as this can affect the flowering cycle, while green light (500 nm-600 nm) can also be reflected, as it has a relatively small impact on the growth of some crops. Besides filtering specific wavelengths, the filter or filtering composition can also provide specific patterns, such as scattering light onto the crop, as scattered light is particularly suitable for the uniform growth of crops.

[0061] In the case of stacked or deposited filters Figure 5 As shown in A and 5B, the reflective surface 3 here is a filter, which can be provided inside or outside the second surface 2, depending on the manufacturing process, to facilitate its deposition. Figure 5C illustrates one embodiment in which the space 6 between the two surfaces is filled, for example, with water to collect heat, but this could also be “filled” with glass to facilitate the manufacturing process by fabricating a single glass rod having the shape of module 10. In this case, the filter is clearly located on the underside of the second surface 2.

[0062] Figure 5 D indicates a specific implementation in which the second surface 2 is not curved but flat like the first surface, and the reflective surface 3 is not the lower surface but is provided as a "floating filter" disposed inside the cavity 6. In effect, this indicates that the actual shape of the second surface 2 is not crucial; what matters is the shape of the reflective surface 3 so that the incident light of the selected portion is uniformly reflected onto the collecting surface of the energy harvesting device 5.

[0063] exist Figure 7 The present invention provides possible dimensions of the basic units for implementing the invention, but these should not limit the invention.

[0064] While these embodiments have been described in conjunction with multiple embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations are or will be obvious. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the scope of this disclosure. This is particularly evident, for example, in cases involving different gears, materials, and angles that may be used.

[0065] Furthermore, it should be understood that the systems and apparatus of the present invention are suitable for outdoor use, i.e., in open-air venues, or for indoor use, such as in greenhouses, and while the power generation device preferably relates to a solar panel, it can utilize different light sources to generate energy and can be a panel of any shape.

Claims

1. An energy generating panel (100) comprising at least two energy generating modules (10), each energy generating module comprising: - a first surface (1) provided with an energy collecting device (5), - a second surface (2), - a reflective surface (3), and - a retaining structure (4) connecting the first and second surfaces together so as to provide a space (6) therebetween, - wherein the reflective surface is configured to filter incoming sunlight so as to pass a first portion of the sunlight and reflect a second portion of the sunlight, characterized in that the reflective surface is provided with a plurality of reflective areas (31) oriented differently with respect to each other, and each reflective area is configured to reflect the second portion of the incoming light uniformly onto a collecting surface of the energy collecting device.

2. The energy generating panel of claim 1, wherein, The second surface (2) is comprised in a back surface of the module (10) and the retaining structure (4) connects the first and second surfaces (1, 2) together so as to provide an inner cavity (6) defined by the walls, the first and second surfaces.

3. The energy generating panel of claim 2, wherein, The reflective surface (3) is a floating filter located within the inner cavity (6) of the module (10).

4. The energy generating panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reflective surface (3) is a filter laminated / deposited on the second surface (2).

5. The energy generating panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reflective surface (3) is the second surface (2) provided with a filtering composition.

6. The energy generating panel according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Each module (10) presents a longitudinal shape and is arranged adjacent to each other in a transversal direction.

7. The energy generating panel according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The modules (10) are detachable from each other by reversible connection means selected from the group comprising magnetic areas, glue, outer frame and mechanical locking means.

8. The energy generating panel according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The cavity (6) is completely surrounded by the first and second surfaces (1, 2) and the walls (4).

9. The energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The transmission / reflection / refraction of the reflective surface (31) is adjusted by specific materials and / or specific thickness ranges and / or specific surface treatments and / or specific additives so as to be adjusted to pass light having a specific wavelength range.

10. The energy generating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, It further comprises an orientation system (7) adapted to change the orientation of the generating panel (100).

11. The energy generating panel according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The plurality of reflective areas (31) are flat and / or adjacent surfaces.

12. The energy generating panel according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The energy collecting module (5) is selected from the group comprising a power generating module using photovoltaic cells, a heat producing module and a hydrogen producing module.

13. The energy generating panel according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The back of the energy collecting device (5) is provided with a reflective surface, light diffusers, contains fluorescent materials and / or energy generating surfaces.

14. An orientation optimization system for orienting the energy generating panel of any of claims 1-13, the system comprising a panel drive system and a panel drive system control module adapted to control the panel drive system to orient the energy generating panel so as to optimize the power or agricultural yield, i.e. the quality of light reaching the crops, for example by orienting the panel to pass light maximally when sunlight is poor and to optimize the light level to better protect the crops from specific weather conditions, such as rain / hail / wind.

15. A light source tracking system for tracking a light source and orienting the energy generating panel of any of claims 1-13, the system comprising an energy generating panel, a light source positioning module and a drive system control module adapted to control the panel drive system to orient the energy generating panel according to the detected light source position.

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